Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Gilbert is 85% more expensive than Columbia.

$2,028/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 43%
$121,351/yr ↑ 118%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 54%
$518,600 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 53%
$1,908/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 39%
271,118
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $870/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $10,440/year.

Median household income is $65,698/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Columbia — common questions

Is Gilbert or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Columbia?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $870/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Columbia?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $65,698/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and South Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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